Boxing Hall of Famer Alexis Arguello Found Dead in Nicaragua - Possible Suicide?

The Associated Press and other news outlets are reporting that former world champion and 1992 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Alexis Arguello was found dead this morning at his home in Nicaragua. Known as the "Explosive Thin Man," Arguello won titles in three different weight classes during his long career, but he may be most famous for his unsuccessful attempt to win a fourth when he was knocked out in the 14th round by Aaron Pryor in an epic battle in 1982.

Though the AP piece does say Arguello was found with a gunshot wound to the chest, details of his autopsy have not been released. Other reports are circulating that TV stations in his home country are already stating that the wound was self-inflicted and calling the death a suicide.

Arguello's career came before my time as a boxing fan, but I did get a chance to meet him briefly and get his autograph in Canastota in 2004, which inspired me to learn more about his career. He became friends with Pryor despite their two slugfests in the ring (Pryor also won the 1983 rematch with a 10th-round KO), and both men were on hand for the induction weekend five years ago.

Posted by The Franchise